Globally, High-Performing Entrepreneurs Are Bullish -- And Here's Why

By Carol Tice

There's an interesting study just out from the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) and Standard Chartered Private Bank, in which they polled more than 1,500 EO members about their outlook. Which is very, very upbeat.

Given that some folks are nervous about the economy heading back down, the results were surprising. But a global view, and listening to folks who're really succeeding in business, gives an interesting perspective.

The EO study of top-performing company owners reported that three-quarters plan to grow their staff in the next year, and another 20 percent thought their employment would be stable. The vast majority -- 80% -- thought their country's economy would improve or be stable in the next quarter.

What explains this rosy view of things? The study stands in stark contrast to the most recent numbers from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). Their long-running Index of Small Business Optimism continues to sit at record lows.

The difference, I think, is in who is giving an opinion.

First off, EO is looking around the globe, not just in the U.S. And the downturn is not the same everywhere.

Second, NFIB members are more of a typical cross-section of small business owners. Meaning, many aren't doing well. They're probably more like the population of laid-off workers, which a recent study showed is no longer interested in becoming entrepreneurs.

Where EO is a hand-selected group of top-performing company CEOs. In my experience, highly successful business people are a breed unto themselves. They're the ones who see the opportunity in the disaster, the upside in the downturn. It's not that they're looking at the economy through rose-colored glasses exactly...but they see a way through the darkness for their business.

It hasn't occurred to them to give up. They're moving ahead, finding new markets, new products, new marketing strategies, new ideas. They're confident because they have a battle plan, they're running their plan, and it's working.

Let's hope they're right about the economy, because a new study from the Kauffman Foundation shows jobs from young companies are a vital part of the employment picture, and that they create remarkably durable jobs. Sure, some wash out...but some go on to be the next Microsoft.

What's your business forecast? Leave a comment and let us know.

Photo via Flickr user gcoldiron2003